Exclusive: Stevie Bill….This New Pop Star Is MESSY

What do non-striped socks, the color orange, and dutch cheese sandwiches have in common? (Oddly enough) They all can be used to describe Stevie Bill.

Combining new-age pop with edgy rock music, Stevie Bill is a new artist on our radar. Sitting down with her, we dive deeper into what makes her “tick” and what we can expect from her next.

The Knockturnal: Can you give us insight into who “Stevie Bill” is? For those who haven’t yet listened to your music, how would you describe it?

Stevie Bill: My last EP, ‘Messy,’ is energetic and makes you feel like a bad bitch. It’s pop music about breakups with a rock edge. Some songs have rocky guitars, like ‘Poison’ and ‘Good Luck to Your New Girlfriend.’

My newer stuff (coming out soon) has more folky influences. Which is funny because I’m not that folky. But I like the melancholy that comes with it. I sometimes get sentimental about life, and I wanted to bring that into my music for the new stuff.

The Knockturnal: If your voice was a color, what would it be and why?

Stevie Bill: Orange. Someone’s vocal coach was at my show and said I have a warm tone. So orange, because it’s warm but still clear & bright.

The Knockturnal: The color orange with hints of pop, rock, and folk music, what could go wrong? Is a particular environment or set-up best suited for listening to your music?

Stevie Bill: I grew up in Amsterdam, where our main form of transportation is the bicycle. I grew up cycling to school and listening to music. So for me, being in a car, subway, or bike is essential for music. That way, you can really dream about life (can you tell I’m a Pisces?). But honestly, listen to ‘Poison’ at my show because that goes harder.

The Knockturnal: So, seeing you perform live is a must! What song line would you want to hear the audience scream?

Stevie Bill: There’s this one moment in ‘Good Luck to Your New Girlfriend’ where everything falls quiet for a second. It’s after I explain: ‘and the girl that you cheated with…was at my release party.’ (Yeah, I did not hold back the info on that one) And then we shout, ‘What

the fuck, boy!’ I know it’s not very deep, but it’s sooooooo fun to scream that together.

I also have a new song coming out this year: ‘Hurts To Hold On.’ It’s about a relationship in which it hurts more to hold on than to let go. I’m hoping people will really sing that line with me: ‘Sometimes — It hurts to hold on.’

The Knockturnal: It is such a hard time with music becoming less personal and solely online. How has that been for you while producing and releasing music?

Stevie Bill: I wouldn’t say it’s a hard time, it’s just different. I think some of the online platforms can make your music very personal, as long as it still feels true to you.

I think many artists can relate to this when I say – being consistent on all the social platforms is the hardest thing about releasing and promoting the EP. You need to be everywhere and it’s honestly annoying. You put years of work into the music to perfect it and then you need to make tik-toks of it every day. It’s a bit weird. But I can’t complain, it’s part of it and we’re also lucky to have these platforms where we have full control of our promotion. Bladiebla. I care more about the music itself though.

The Knockturnal: Now, we have to get deep for a moment and answer what everyone’s wondering: What would be the “Stevie Bill” Mcdonald’s meal?

Stevie Bill: A grilled cheese sandwich with a ridiculous amount of (dutch) cheese – because I’m from The Netherlands, I’m precious about cheese. Mcdonald’s isn’t good for the environment, so I don’t know if I’d like to be associated with Mcdonald’s. Unless they pay me a million dollars, obviously. I need to pay rent, ok???? Just kidding…or am I?

The Knockturnal: Dutch grilled cheese—noted. Is there any other specific “Stevie Bill” weird routine or superstition in your life?

Stevie Bill: Oh no… so many things. I have OCD, so I cannot wear my socks with dark blue stripes. It just means something bad is going to happen. I know it’s nonsense, but I refuse to wear them. If you’re my parents and you’re reading this, no, I’m not making this up.

I also make my breakfast in the evenings now because I’m trying to be less Messy (stream my new EP ‘Messy’), no pun intended. I hear my prefrontal cortex is just now being developed, so I’m starting to become somewhat organized, which is a huge revelation. (No, my OCD does not mean I’m more organized, it just means I cannot land with my left foot first if I walk down the stairs).

The Knockturnal: So, dark blue, striped socks are banned (or at least frowned upon) at your concerts. And speaking of concerts, what can we expect next from you?

Stevie Bill: I’m releasing new music very soon (a mix of folk and rock), and I cannot wait for you to hear it!

The Knockturnal: Well, we can’t wait to hear it! As more of your music is released, what would be an “I made it” moment that you look forward to in your career?

Stevie Bill: Selling out a (smaller) venue and having people come because they genuinely love the music. I have very big dreams but I’m very quickly satisfied with ‘smaller’ accomplishments. I really think it’s just people genuinely looking forward to my next single & communicating with me about it. Oh, and when I meet Beyonce.

The Knockturnal: Before we end, is there anything else you’d want to share with those following you for a while or are just now getting to know you?

Stevie Bill: Something I’d want to include is: Your gut is always right. Always follow your dreams if you can. And about my music: you can expect something different from my music every time because we’re all constantly changing. Nothing stays the same, and we should embrace that more. And last but not least: LOVE YOU!

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Photographer: Jeiroh
Photo Asst: Nooj
Stylist: J. Alexander Cartagena
MUA & Hair: Tia Rivers
Words: by Jalena Shand